FORT WORTH – After a long offseason and multiple delays due to COVID-19 precautions, the Texas Wesleyan University football team officially opens the split 2020-21 season on Saturday, Oct. 24 when playing host to Sooner Athletic Conference foe Southwestern Assemblies of God at Farrington Field. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.

On Saturday, Texas Wesleyan will honor and celebrate the frontline staff and personnel that have worked tirelessly as we navigate through this global pandemic together. All essential personnel will be given free admission to the game.  

The Rams (0-0) enter the season looking to continue a positive trend which has seen the program's winning percentage increase progressively over the previous three years. Texas Wesleyan is hoping to break a three-year streak of dropping its season-opening contest with Saturday's matchup.

The Lions (0-0) were winless at 0-10 in 2019, but scored 20 points or more in five contests, including a 52-44, triple overtime shootout against the Rams.  
Highlighting the returning Rams is junior wide receiver Brandon Rolfe, who became the first Ram to claim NAIA All-American honors after tallying 32 receptions for 699 yards and a school-record eight touchdowns. The Rams will rely heavily on its wealth of receivers as all five of the team's top touchdown threats return to the fold in 2020 behind Rolfe, Collier Ricks, Le'Mant Monroe, Cole Maxwell and Tyler Pullig.

Defensively, the Rams return its defensive unit which features a pair of defensive linemen which wreaked havoc on opposing offense last season by combining to tally 14.5 sacks. Sophomore Mark Seidler (7.5 sacks) and Cody Pettit (7.0 sacks) led a strong line. Meanwhile, linebacker Dylan Pettway anchors the linebacker core with 22.5 tackles for loss in his career. On the back end of the defense, Chance Carroll solidifies the secondary with eight career pass breakups and two interceptions.

Texas Wesleyan is led by fourth-year head coach Joe Prud'homme, who has a career mark of 7-24 at the collegiate level.

Saturday's contest marks the fourth meeting between Texas Wesleyan and SAGU in series history. While the Lions boast a 2-1 lead in the series.

Coming to the game? Don't forget to read our game day COVID-19 protocols, which can be found at RamSports.net/updates.

Can't make it to game day? We have you covered. Watch live internet broadcasts, now powered by BlueFrame Technology. Visit RamSports.net/live to watch from your favorite device. We are proud to offer all broadcasts free of charge. Check out the calendar for more home events.